Had a fab Xmas - did you? Just to say a very happy new year to you! I will be seeing out the final hours alongside my lovely mate Miceal, on QVC. Join us between 10 & midnight, with two smashing hours of cuddly Charlie Bears, which I of course have a fair old collection of!

Meanwhile, I wanted to just point you to my latest QVC blog - it's my annual Review of the Year.

When you look back over the last year, what are the highlights? Mine are listed in this blog - including quite a few which will make you smile, including what has to be one of the best bloopers ever! And a funny vlog link, and some lovely memories of another momentous year. Two grandbabies, making it extra special, and there's a pic of Lauren my daughter her hubby and her bubba (turning the other way of course, not allowed baby's face on social media!) Do go and look - the QVC Review of the year blog is here. Loved being with my own two kids as well, even though they've now got kids of their own - so much changes in a year, eh!

Plus we had some lovely times at my brother Glenn's for an elongated stay over Xmas - Lolly and bubba and hubby also stayed and we took several trips out including to Ikea in Croydon where I was allowed to carry Phoebe around a bit whilst the kids looked at kitchens. They are building a lodge down in Wales and are very excited about it being finished for February. Chips off the old block!

So I'm looking forward to the festivities over New year with yet more family get togethers and meals - then it's full steam ahead preparing for my cruise holiday to the caribbean in Feb and unless I want a new wardrobe, a determined steam!

Book recommendations - inc John Grisham's the Reckoning. Had a bit of a lull in doing my book reviews, mainly cos of knee op and then xmas break so didn't drive around as much! Also got wrapped up in listening to podcasts more, incl political ones, since I'm a politics geek! Anyway I've got stuck into the new John Grisham and it's a good one! Go here to see it, and also to find out about some of the top books to watch out for in 2019 - including from my mentor Julie Cohen!

Lots to do over the coming weeks, including getting all the new dates up online for my retreat down in Devon. If you're a writer or know one, do ge them to sign up for our newsletter via our website www.retreatsforyou.co.uk, as the next one is about to go out with some new dates and exciting info about upcoming events.

Have a fabulous New year and look forward to some more regular posts in 2019!

best wishes

debs

x

ps My guest house in North Devon has spaces for non-writers too. We are mainly a writing retreat but that doesn't mean we don't occasionally have non-writers.i (£95pppn inc full board and wine at dinner!) Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to enquire about non-writing dates for 2019, and have a little look here -

It’s been a while due to not driving so much and being rushed off my feet with Xmas and so on, but here’s the latest novel to grace my audible app/alexa…

John Grisham is one of my ‘must-read’ authors, even though some of his more recent ones have been a bit hit and miss, sounding more like an abridged version of itself, the reviews reflecting that, very often. BUT The Reckoning seems to be hitting the mark and has made me inquisitive enough to find myself thinking about the characters in between sessions…one of the best signs that it’s a good book.

See also below for the Stylist Magazine’s ‘Books to Watch out for in 2019’ list – very glad to see my mentor Julie Cohen’s next novel firmly on that list! Plus info about our writing retreat dates for 2019.

The Reckoning.

John Grisham returns to Clanton, Mississippi, to tell the story of an unthinkable murder, the bizarre trial that followed it and its profound and lasting effect on the people of Ford County.

Pete Banning was Clanton's favourite son, a returning war hero, the patriarch of a prominent family, a farmer, father, neighbour and a faithful member of the Methodist Church. Then one cool October morning in 1946, he rose early, drove into town, walked into the church, and calmly shot and killed the Reverend Dexter Bell.

As if the murder wasn't shocking enough, it was even more baffling that Pete's only statement about it - to the sheriff, to his defense attorney, to the judge, to his family and friends and to the people of Clanton - was 'I have nothing to say'.

And so the murder of the esteemed Reverend Bell became the most mysterious and unforgettable crime Ford County had ever known

Looking forward to revamping my book of the week feature, after a lull at the end of 2018. This was in part due to re-listening to old books, and to not driving anywhere near as much for various reasons. So apart from my Book of the Week, here’s a nice little round up care of Stylist Magazine.

2019 is already looking like being a brilliant year for ‘watershed’ books – including a long-awaited thriller, a Booker winner and breakout debuts which have already been snapped up for the small and big screens. And amongst them, my mentor Julie Cohen’s next novel, Louis and Louise. This is released on 24th January so will have a fuller review then. For now, if you’re after some stonking new author recommendations, how about the following – here’s a selection from the Stylist list, which took my fancy:

Queenie – by British author Candice Carty-Williams. Being called ‘the one to watch out for’ this novel sounds like being the best anti-heroine antidote to the social media generation with a real life tragi-comedy storyline and proper ‘uplit’ feelgood factor – I will definitely be getting this when out in April.

The Wych Elm – by Tana French. Being called ‘the most highly anticipated thriller, this one looks fascinating. Having already made her name with the Dublin mysteries (must look those up) Tana brings us this stand-alone thriller based on unreliable memories of youth in a PR guy struggling to recover from a horrible incident and a discovery in a tree. Any book Stephen King calls ‘Incandescent’ has to be a must. Out 21 February.

Daisy Jones and the Six – by Taylor Jenkins Reid. This debut has been snapped up by none other than Reese Witherspoon’s book club (Reese ‘devoured it in a day’) and Amazon for a 13 part TV series, it’s very appealing – but do you wait for the TV series? I tend to do that as I prefer to see the TV series first, since the book always has so much more detail it’s better to do it that way round, IMO. Filled with the glamour and excess of the late 70s music scene (yessss!) it’s going to be on my hit list and I hope the TV series is in 2019. Well done Taylor though – great debut.

Louis and Louise – by my mentor Julie Cohen. I am unspeakably proud of Julie and know that this book, which I have yet to read, deliberately waiting till it’s on audiobook, will be huge. This is being called the ‘thinking lit,’ and will be a top choice for book clubs everywhere this year. Out in January, be the first to recommend it to yours! ‘Two lives, lived twice’ is the clever byline, and features the same life told twice – once as a female and the other as a male hero. What difference does sex make to events in our lives? Julie explores this and will have people discussing it for days after reading it. Can’t wait. On pre-sale now.

Cape May – by Chip Cheek. Set in 1957 this book will have you transported to a different era, with shades of Mad Men and Revolutionary Road, apparently. I love the 1950s (the Marvellous Mrs Maisel is my current go to binge watch show, am on season 2) and this one looks fascinating as it’s set in a racy world of money and risky encounters… Because of the setting I would give it a go. Out end April.

The others are listed on the Stylist .co.uk website and are worth looking up if you like dystopia, quirky Richard Curtis type rom-coms and fantasy amongst others. Meanwhile, my own writing has resumed and my new year’s ambition to get my 5th novel finished is marching on apace.

Other news

- Latest dates for the upcoming season being finalised on my Retreats for You website - go to the blog page to see them once they appear.

- One more place left on our ‘Pitch to a Publisher’ weekend in March – more here.

- Sold out of Alison May’s June dates, now a second week has been released – Sept 23-27, book soon here.

Writers love our 1600s thatched, grade 2 listed house in deepest North Devon, along with home cooked meals, a dash of doggy therapy, or stint in the mini home gym, or a walk in the beautiful North Devon countryside right on our doorstep. Email us for more info!

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

best wishes

debs

x

TIPS AND MY OWN FICTION -

Beginners’ Guide And if you’re a complete beginner and want to self-publish, my basic guide can be found here - beginner's tips for self-publishing - a summary of info, sites and links to help you on your way. Including my guest blog on prestigious industry website, TheCreativePenn.com, which is also a fabulous resource for beginners. And advanced writers! Go here to read more.

Also - launched in 2018, Jericho press is the new name for Writers' Workshop - and their £30 a month subs will get you all sorts of free info about how to write a novel and how to self publish. MORE HERE.

Archives Don’t forget to check out the other archives (to the left) for even more fabulous hints, tips, links and blogs.

‘When Dreams Return’ (2014) – spooky romantic short story – when Chelle’s pal Sara gets her to conjure up her ideal man with a full moon magic spell, she gets more than she bargained for… also appears in Hocus Pocus anthology.

Till the Fat Lady Slims 2.0 – the ‘When’ Diet - is my semi-autobiographical weight loss book – originally published in 2000. It was updated for 2014 to include the latest thinking about nutrition. Learn how to eat like slim people do and published on Amazon as TTFLS 2.0

Choc-Lit, UK independent publisher, gave it a revamp and put it on order in Bookshops early 2017 - published just as 'Till the Fat Lady Slims' and with a black silhouette cover, it pulls together elements of all the predecessors, and is a good place to begin if you haven't read any of it yet. Go here to get the Choc Lit 2017 Till the Fat lady Slims on Amazon or order in bookshops.

Amazon review - January 2018 -

This is a great book and so easy to identify with the author. I have been there and reading this book was like a breath of fresh air. I took on board what was written and lost 3 pounds in the first week. I am still losing but I don't dwell on food or think about it all day which is brilliant. I feel I can get on with my life and food is in its proper place. I eat when I'm hungry and because I am hungry, I enjoy the food all the more. If you are struggling and have tried every diet known to woman - like I have - buy this book. You will not regret it. It is turning my life around and I feel so much more positive than I did.

Last week I had a most wonderful welcome from the ladies at the Halwill W.I. near me in North Devon. Lovely Anne Goodspeed asked me in the Spring if I would come do a talk - and decided the theme would be - appropriately - split lives. It was a very interesting talk because as I began speaking, little snippets came out that I hadn't necessarily planned to reveal, but it felt right, in that intimate atmosphere to go into details eg about my short period of depression in 2006 when my importing business folded. It was very rewarding afterwards when one of the ladies came up to me to ask about that time, as she too was just beginning a period of treatment. We compared notes and I hope to be keeping in touch with her.

I told them stuff I'd never really discussed in any great detail - that citalopram - the drug I was on a tiny dose of - gave me the most amazing 'adventure' dreams, and how normally most of my dreams are about me battling conflict. I used to go to sleep and wonder what drama I'd be in tonight! I also found it adjusted my waking times - I became an earlier riser and got sleepy earlier at night. I was doing office hours at the time so it seemed appropriate. But whilst it helped me cope with bad things, it also muted any good feelings. I called it 'citalopram neutral' and it was a very weird time. Coming off it afterwards, gradually, led to a period of at least two years before I truly felt it was out of my system. But it helped me cope with redundancies, unfair dismissal, all sorts of accusations about my business that were untrue and finishing an abusive relationship. Hey looking back it was a bit of a crap time! But I told the ladies at the WI that I have a motto - 'what can I learn from this' - so everything became a lesson. I talk a little about this concept and its effect on my life, with its connection with food firmly in the frame, in my books 'Till the Fat Lady Slims' - including some of the toughest times in my life, and have had some super responses. (When I'm asked which one to get, as there are several, I say start with the latest one, from 2017, with a black silhouette. The others are numbered so are easier to understand which comes where. Go here to see them all. And the 2017 one is able to be ordered from bookshops as it was published by UK independent Choc Lit.) I actually thank goodness for Freedom Eating, the system of breaking free from food prison mentioned in the book, otherwise I'd be a very unhappy person at the moment having got stuck on the 'wayside' as we call it. Thankfully I recognise a temporary sugar addiction and some sub-optimal choices that have become a habit in a retreat full of temptations, and I know normal service will be resumed, rather than losing my mind over it and beating myself up over and over again like I did in the old days when the weight wasn't what I wanted.

The overall topic of the talk however, was split lives and once I'd given them the background about being a geek on the one hand and 'laaaaaah!' on the other, I filled them in on the other stuff I do - singing for charity, being a Medical Detection Dogs ambassador, being an author, and of course my new 2018 role of grandmother (it's still weird!) - but I'm happier with ME now than I've ever been, so my London / Devon split lifestyle is truly making me content.

As is seeing how my children's children are growing before my eyes.

I babysat little Blakey on Monday and she was overjoyed to be standing up on her own, including in the bath, where she splashed and had a lovely time. Then Lauren brought beautiful Phoebe - now one month old - to Devon for a few days and we had some smashing times together including a trip to Ikea whilst Nick did some work in my house. Nanny, mother, daughter, sister, friend - I've got many roles and whilst my life's never been so split, I love them all.

And I still get time on all those journeys, to read...

Book of the Week - I've been looking forward to this one for absolutely ages. Another Jack Reacher - number 23 in fact. Well done Lee Child, you never disappoint. Free sample info and full details and full blog - here.

As I| write I'm sitting in a downpour - well, not technically IN the downpour but you know what I mean. The rain is blasting the window high up in the vaulted roof in my kitchen and sounds like a symphony serenading my creativity. And I have yet to finish my novel but I'm getting there. It is, after all, NaNoWriMo (national novel writing month) and it seem there's something in the air...

I may actually have time to do some writing when I'm laid up having a knee op. It's only a little one - an endoscopy (is that right?) - cleaning out the debris from a torn meniscus on my left knee. It's one of the reasons I've been less mobile for the last 18 months and that and lifestyle stresses have meant my food choices haven't been my usual ones, and it's showing. So I'll be glad to get back in shape afterwards. I'll have to get more help down here in Devon and face six weeks of rehab and physio but hopefully it'll be worth it.

anyway hope you are well and have a lovely week!

Best wishes

debs

x

Heard about our guest house down in Devon?

Retreats announced

Do go see the latest Retreats for You newsletter which sums up what's happening next year, if you'd like to pop down to a writing retreat at some point. Also there are going to be a couple of non- writers retreats too - check them out here.

Plus - if you're able to make it down for two nights - December 10-12, why not come to a Xmas special? a wreath making afternoon class on the Tuesday, followed by the Xmas concert which I will be singing at with my super pal, county councillor Barry Parsons, on Tuesday evening, with mulled wine and mince pies in the interval. AND a final 2018 opening day for our tearooms on the Wednesday, with a Christmas theme. email us for the prices and availability - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Do it fast tho!

ps My guest house in North Devon has spaces for non-writers too. We are mainly a writing retreat but that doesn't mean we don't occasionally have non-writers.i (£95pppn inc full board and wine at dinner!) Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to enquire about non-writing dates for 2019, and have a little look here -

He's back with another stonker - Lee Child brings us another adventure with Jack Reacher - one of the most successful fiction characters of all time. Past Tense is out - Jack Reacher 23 - see below for an exciting free sample.

I bought it on pre-order earlier this year and can't believe how fast November has come around. Lee Child was an interviewee on QVC once upon a time and I had the pleasure of talking to him about 'The Affair' - the prequel novel which kicks off his series of anti-hero/hero books. I was most struck by Lee saying he never really plans a novel out and mostly does one version - unlike most other authors. Jeffrey Archer's new tome, for instance, took 14 drafts. (See next week)

I've absolutely loved each and every one of Lee's Reacher books - and devoured all 18 straight. Then have got every one since. So to me, this is a given that I will buy the next and the next and I thank goodness Lee Child is so consistent each year in bringing us the latest outing, plus short stories and flash back novellas in between.

From number one best seller Lee Child, the thrilling new blockbuster featuring hero Jack Reacher.

Reacher, the eternal drifter, happens by chance on the small New Hampshire town he remembers his father was supposed to have come from. But when he starts looking for his dad's old home, he finds there's no record of anyone named Reacher ever having lived there...

I'm very excited as my top Reacher narrator Jeff Harding is once more in the driving seat. Yay! that's another couple of journeys to and from Devon sorted out! It makes the 200 mile journey fly by as I whizz back home to our writing retreat in Sheepwash - see Retreats for You below.

Go here to listen to a free sample of the audiobook - it's fabulous! Just sign in with your regular amazon account and set up an audible account, and there it will be! I get through about 30 credits a year and bulk buying them is best for me, with so many long journeys. Enjoy.

Reviews for Retreats for You Check out our Facebook page to see all the five star reviews for our place - go here to see it. And if you'd like to come too, email us for info and dates This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - and see more on our website here - retreatsforyou.co.uk

Almost all the reviews are five stars - good considering over five dozen have posted. We specialise in full board Monday to Friday retreats although next year there are some weekends - rare but more than this year.

Then contact us soon! The 'pitch to a publisher' weekend has more or less sold out! Writers love our 1600s thatched, grade 2 listed house in deepest North Devon, along with home cooked meals, a dash of doggy therapy, or stint in the mini home gym, or a walk in the beautiful countryside right on our doorstep. email us for more info!

best wishes

debs

x

TIPS AND MY OWN FICTION -

Beginners’ Guide And if you’re a complete beginner and want to self-publish, my basic guide can be found here - beginner's tips for self-publishing - a summary of info, sites and links to help you on your way. Including my guest blog on prestigious industry website, TheCreativePenn.com, which is also a fabulous resource for beginners. And advanced writers! Go here to read more.

Also - launched in 2018, Jericho press is the new name for Writers' Workshop - and their £30 a month subs will get you all sorts of free info about how to write a novel and how to self publish. MORE HERE.

Archives Don’t forget to check out the other archives (to the left) for even more fabulous hints, tips, links and blogs.

‘When Dreams Return’ (2014) – spooky romantic short story – when Chelle’s pal Sara gets her to conjure up her ideal man with a full moon magic spell, she gets more than she bargained for… also appears in Hocus Pocus anthology.

Till the Fat Lady Slims 2.0 – the ‘When’ Diet - is my semi-autobiographical weight loss book – originally published in 2000. It was updated for 2014 to include the latest thinking about nutrition. Learn how to eat like slim people do and published on Amazon as TTFLS 2.0

Choc-Lit, UK independent publisher, gave it a revamp and put it on order in Bookshops early 2017 - published just as 'Till the Fat Lady Slims' and with a black silhouette cover, it pulls together elements of all the predecessors, and is a good place to begin if you haven't read any of it yet. Go here to get the Choc Lit 2017 Till the Fat lady Slims on Amazon or order in bookshops.

Amazon review - January 2018 -

This is a great book and so easy to identify with the author. I have been there and reading this book was like a breath of fresh air. I took on board what was written and lost 3 pounds in the first week. I am still losing but I don't dwell on food or think about it all day which is brilliant. I feel I can get on with my life and food is in its proper place. I eat when I'm hungry and because I am hungry, I enjoy the food all the more. If you are struggling and have tried every diet known to woman - like I have - buy this book. You will not regret it. It is turning my life around and I feel so much more positive than I did.

So it's happened! And (not so) little Phoebe Deborah Ann , my daughter's first baby, came into the world on October 3rd. Very glad it was all over after a bit of a difficult introduction to the world but she is gorgeous. The kids don't really want to share too much on social media, and that's understandable, same as with little nine month old Blake, my son's first girl. So here's an officially allowed pic, and sorry it's not of her face! But she does look very much like Lolly looked when she was a baby, especially around the mouth - and a tiny bit like I did, at least she does when Phoebe screws up her face! lol. Go here to the QVC blog to see the baby pic of me. (You'll also see the new arrival at my brother's house - the adorable little kitten called Oreo! Just so cute. And fearless too - go here to see him and big cat Morph playing...)

In the last three weeks I've visited baby and Lolly and Nick and his lovely parents Derek and Annie, in Wales, three times. I am trying to fit in the lonnnnng journeys on my way home from Devon, and it's been working well so far. Baby Phoebe has put on a pound and a half in the last few weeks and is really long! she's almost at the top of the percentiles for her age. Well Lolly is 5'10 so am sure Pheebs will be tall too! Lucky girl. I always wanted to be a bit taller when I was a teenager, but hey ho, 5'4 (just under!) will have to do. I love being with little bubba and am unbelievably proud of Lauren and the way she's taken to parenthood - baby is doing very well not on bottle feeding and sits very alert, staring around at the world, and at me. Have had a few smiles out of her too, although I'm not sure they're exactly because of all my 'goo goo ga ga' but I'm doing it anyway! Am seeing little 9 month olf Blake Katherine on Sunday too - yay!

On way home from Wales this time I managed to go to see a pal of mine from Retreats for You, lovely Katy Mitchell who lives in Monmouth in Wales, and stayed there overnight. Turned out she was off to the village hall film night so I went too - to see Phantom Thread. It was very ... intense. A good vehicle for Daniel Day Lewis and has a rather strange ending. 7.25 out of ten I'd say. Another film I saw last week was the Freddie Mercury and Queen biopic, Bohemian Rhapsody, which was BRILLIANT. Just loved it, all the music, the nostalgia and seeing what unfolded behind the scenes of the soundtrack to many of our lives. Just love films. This one I would definitely go again, and seven of us went this time - girls night out down in Devon! I'd give this film 8.5 out of ten I think. What did you see recently that you'd recommend?

Also had another fabulous doggy training session with Daisy and Gracie - such fun and they really seem to get a lot out of it. Totally exhausts them afterwards which is great! haha! Me too! I hope to keep doing this going forward - just want to find someone else to take the second dog rather than having to keep swapping!

Retreats announced

Do go see the latest Retreats for You newsletter which sums up what's happening next year, if you'd like to pop down to a writing retreat at some point. Also there are going to be a couple of non- writers retreats too - check them out here.

Plus - if you're able to make it down for two nights - December 10-12, why not come to a Xmas special? a wreath making afternoon class on the Tuesday, followed by the Xmas concert which I will be singing at with my super pal, county councillor Barry Parsons, on Tuesday evening, with mulled wine and mince pies in the interval. AND a final 2018 opening day for our tearooms on the Wednesday, with a Christmas theme. email us for the prices and availability - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Do it fast tho!

Don't know about you but xmas shopping at QVC has well and truly begun! WE put up our trees at the start of October each year and don't look back! Well this weekend (27/28 there are some fantastic offers, and the week ahead too.

- tonight at midnight (rpt till 9am Sunday morn) my telly hubby Lee Hohbein and I will be doing the latest Amazon Echo #tsv launch - it's the little round one with a screen , the Echo Spot. Alexa comes into her own with a spot as you can do so many other things!

Then see my new QVC blog to see the next week's offers including the annual Price's candles bumper set for around £20, the Tweek'd hair set, and the Kitchen Aid artisan mixer - plus the lovely Alison Cork's really low priced LED Xmas tree next week too.

Book(s) of the week(s) - playing catch up since the furore about the new grandbaby got in the way of my regular updates - and here are the recent books of the week I've mentioned on my usual QVC blogs - some fabulous new ones!

The Dead Ex - by Jane Corry - award winning Sunday Times bestseller including special interview on the hows and whys of writing this fab book

Plus The Sound of your Soul by Anna Cookson, my lovely ex-colleague and radio and TV presenter. Get it here.

And of course, our very own Alison Keenan, my lovely pal, is going to be launching her biography, a New Kind of Normal, on Amazon, on pre-order till 30th October. So worth reading about her amazing story of hope and recovery, go here to get it now.

All in all a fabulously busy couple of weeks and a true new era for yours truly!

Hope you're well and best wishes!

d

x

ps My guest house in North Devon has spaces for non-writers too. We are mainly a writing retreat but that doesn't mean we don't occasionally have non-writers.i (£95pppn inc full board and wine at dinner!) Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to enquire about dates for 2019, and have a little look here -

Book of the Week - The Accidental Further Adventures of the Hundred Year Old Man

OMG this looks brilliant!

Remember The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared? By Jonas Jonasson? Quirky, made into a film in 2013 and subtitled, currently on Amazon Prime for free – going to watch it soon! Well… I just found out there’s a sequel! Now I liked other books by Jonasson, the Girl Who Saved the King of Sweden. I liked better than Hit Man Anders. tbh, but I’m giving this sequel a go as The Hundred-Year-Old Man definitely left me wondering what happened next! If you like having an author who you can enjoy across several novels and you like to be surprised, try these. Both Hundred-Year-Old books are highly reviewed too. Cool! Another one for my audible app!

"It all begins with a hot air balloon trip and three bottles of champagne. Allan and Julius are ready for some spectacular views, but they're not expecting to land in the sea and be rescued by a North Korean ship, and they could never have imagined that the captain of the ship would be harbouring a suitcase full of contraband uranium on a nuclear weapons mission for Kim Jong-un....

Soon Allan and Julius are at the centre of a complex diplomatic crisis involving world figures from the Swedish foreign minister to Angela Merkel and President Trump. Things are about to get very complicated.... "

Reviews for Retreats for You Check out our Facebook page to see all the five star reviews for our place - go here to see it. And if you'd like to come too, email us for info and dates This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - and see more on our website here - retreatsforyou.co.uk

best wishes

debs

x

TIPS AND MY OWN FICTION -

Beginners’ Guide And if you’re a complete beginner and want to self-publish, my basic guide can be found here - beginner's tips for self-publishing - a summary of info, sites and links to help you on your way. Including my guest blog on prestigious industry website, TheCreativePenn.com, which is also a fabulous resource for beginners. And advanced writers! Go here to read more.

Also - launched in 2018, Jericho press is the new name for Writers' Workshop - and their £30 a month subs will get you all sorts of free info about how to write a novel and how to self publish. MORE HERE.

Archives Don’t forget to check out the other archives (to the left) for even more fabulous hints, tips, links and blogs.

‘When Dreams Return’ (2014) – spooky romantic short story – when Chelle’s pal Sara gets her to conjure up her ideal man with a full moon magic spell, she gets more than she bargained for… also appears in Hocus Pocus anthology.

Till the Fat Lady Slims 2.0 – the ‘When’ Diet - is my semi-autobiographical weight loss book – originally published in 2000. It was updated for 2014 to include the latest thinking about nutrition. Learn how to eat like slim people do and published on Amazon as TTFLS 2.0

Choc-Lit, UK independent publisher, gave it a revamp and put it on order in Bookshops early 2017 - published just as 'Till the Fat Lady Slims' and with a black silhouette cover, it pulls together elements of all the predecessors, and is a good place to begin if you haven't read any of it yet. Go here to get the Choc Lit 2017 Till the Fat lady Slims on Amazon or order in bookshops.

Amazon review - January 2018 -

This is a great book and so easy to identify with the author. I have been there and reading this book was like a breath of fresh air. I took on board what was written and lost 3 pounds in the first week. I am still losing but I don't dwell on food or think about it all day which is brilliant. I feel I can get on with my life and food is in its proper place. I eat when I'm hungry and because I am hungry, I enjoy the food all the more. If you are struggling and have tried every diet known to woman - like I have - buy this book. You will not regret it. It is turning my life around and I feel so much more positive than I did.

Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty. Very excited that just out this week is another one by Liane Moriarty, the number one best-selling author of Big Little Lies the award-winning TV show which featured Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman et al, the Golden Globe winning HBO series I loved and reviewed last year. This new one has nine perfect strangers stay for 10 days at a health resort to see how it can change them forever – stressed city dwellers coming to drop their baggage, try meditation, hot stone massage etc, all on the path to a better way of living or at least a better waistline. At least, that’s what they think…. all may not be how it seems…

I have always loved her books since I watched the TV series, and followed it up by listening to most of the rest of her novels. They cover some serious topics so I am interested to see where this one will take me…!

Review -

"One of the things that I really liked most about this book is Liane’s way with irony. There were a couple of points in the book where Liane writes about a slow, thriller of a book that one of the characters are reading. How the story developed slowly, how it is very character driven, how the story doesn’t develop much in the first half and it is all about getting to know the characters and that is exactly what Liane does in this book to her readers. She makes you work hard to be rewarded at the end of the book. It made me laugh and smile while I was reading it. Know that Liane know that she was manipulating the reader and she had the reader exactly where she wanted them and she wasn’t going to give anything away for free and you have to work with this book and get passed the half way point before the story really kicks off. For me that is very clever and Liane is a craftswoman of her work."

Reviews for Retreats for You Check out our Facebook page to see all the five star reviews for our place - go here to see it. And if you'd like to come too, email us for info and dates This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - and see more on our website here - retreatsforyou.co.uk

best wishes

debs

x

TIPS AND MY OWN FICTION -

Beginners’ Guide And if you’re a complete beginner and want to self-publish, my basic guide can be found here - beginner's tips for self-publishing - a summary of info, sites and links to help you on your way. Including my guest blog on prestigious industry website, TheCreativePenn.com, which is also a fabulous resource for beginners. And advanced writers! Go here to read more.

Also - launched in 2018, Jericho press is the new name for Writers' Workshop - and their £30 a month subs will get you all sorts of free info about how to write a novel and how to self publish. MORE HERE.

Archives Don’t forget to check out the other archives (to the left) for even more fabulous hints, tips, links and blogs.

‘When Dreams Return’ (2014) – spooky romantic short story – when Chelle’s pal Sara gets her to conjure up her ideal man with a full moon magic spell, she gets more than she bargained for… also appears in Hocus Pocus anthology.

Till the Fat Lady Slims 2.0 – the ‘When’ Diet - is my semi-autobiographical weight loss book – originally published in 2000. It was updated for 2014 to include the latest thinking about nutrition. Learn how to eat like slim people do and published on Amazon as TTFLS 2.0

Choc-Lit, UK independent publisher, gave it a revamp and put it on order in Bookshops early 2017 - published just as 'Till the Fat Lady Slims' and with a black silhouette cover, it pulls together elements of all the predecessors, and is a good place to begin if you haven't read any of it yet. Go here to get the Choc Lit 2017 Till the Fat lady Slims on Amazon or order in bookshops.

Amazon review - January 2018 -

This is a great book and so easy to identify with the author. I have been there and reading this book was like a breath of fresh air. I took on board what was written and lost 3 pounds in the first week. I am still losing but I don't dwell on food or think about it all day which is brilliant. I feel I can get on with my life and food is in its proper place. I eat when I'm hungry and because I am hungry, I enjoy the food all the more. If you are struggling and have tried every diet known to woman - like I have - buy this book. You will not regret it. It is turning my life around and I feel so much more positive than I did.

Lethal White, by Robert Galbraith (aka J. K. Rowling in her crime writing alter ego) is out this week. Cormoran Strike’s fourth outing, with his newly married side-kick Robyn, are off on a twisting trail that leads them through the back streets of London into a secretive inner sanctum within parliament and to a beautiful but sinister manor house deep in the countryside. As usual the narration by award winning actor Robert Glenister is outstanding. I love Strike's downplayed heroism and Robyn's credible gutsiness.

This series never disappoints, and every second of the epic 22 - I said 22! - hours is fabulously done - well written and insightful, with carefully crafted tension between the two main characters, the relationship between whom is the core of the plot. Loved it.

"I seen a kid killed.... He strangled it, up by the horse.

When Billy, a troubled young man, comes to private eye Cormoran Strike's office to ask for his help investigating a crime he thinks he witnessed as a child, Strike is left deeply unsettled. While Billy is obviously mentally distressed and cannot remember many concrete details, there is something sincere about him and his story. But before Strike can question him further, Billy bolts from his office in a panic.

Trying to get to the bottom of Billy's story, Strike and Robin Ellacott - once his assistant, now a partner in the agency - set off on a twisting trail that leads them through the backstreets of London, into a secretive inner sanctum within Parliament and to a beautiful but sinister manor house deep in the countryside.

And during this labyrinthine investigation, Strike's own life is far from straightforward: his newfound fame as a private eye means he can no longer operate behind the scenes as he once did. Plus, his relationship with his former assistant is more fraught than it ever has been - Robin is now invaluable to Strike in the business, but their personal relationship is much, much more tricky than that....

The most epic Robert Galbraith novel yet, Lethal White is the gripping next installment in the ongoing story of Cormoran Strike and Robin Ellacott."

Reviews for Retreats for You Check out our Facebook page to see all the five star reviews for our place - go here to see it. And if you'd like to come too, email us for info and dates This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - and see more on our website here - retreatsforyou.co.uk

best wishes

debs

x

TIPS AND MY OWN FICTION -

Beginners’ Guide And if you’re a complete beginner and want to self-publish, my basic guide can be found here - beginner's tips for self-publishing - a summary of info, sites and links to help you on your way. Including my guest blog on prestigious industry website, TheCreativePenn.com, which is also a fabulous resource for beginners. And advanced writers! Go here to read more.

Also - launched in 2018, Jericho press is the new name for Writers' Workshop - and their £30 a month subs will get you all sorts of free info about how to write a novel and how to self publish. MORE HERE.

Archives Don’t forget to check out the other archives (to the left) for even more fabulous hints, tips, links and blogs.

‘When Dreams Return’ (2014) – spooky romantic short story – when Chelle’s pal Sara gets her to conjure up her ideal man with a full moon magic spell, she gets more than she bargained for… also appears in Hocus Pocus anthology.

Till the Fat Lady Slims 2.0 – the ‘When’ Diet - is my semi-autobiographical weight loss book – originally published in 2000. It was updated for 2014 to include the latest thinking about nutrition. Learn how to eat like slim people do and published on Amazon as TTFLS 2.0

Choc-Lit, UK independent publisher, gave it a revamp and put it on order in Bookshops early 2017 - published just as 'Till the Fat Lady Slims' and with a black silhouette cover, it pulls together elements of all the predecessors, and is a good place to begin if you haven't read any of it yet. Go here to get the Choc Lit 2017 Till the Fat lady Slims on Amazon or order in bookshops.

Amazon review - January 2018 -

This is a great book and so easy to identify with the author. I have been there and reading this book was like a breath of fresh air. I took on board what was written and lost 3 pounds in the first week. I am still losing but I don't dwell on food or think about it all day which is brilliant. I feel I can get on with my life and food is in its proper place. I eat when I'm hungry and because I am hungry, I enjoy the food all the more. If you are struggling and have tried every diet known to woman - like I have - buy this book. You will not regret it. It is turning my life around and I feel so much more positive than I did.

From the Freelance Media Group meeting I went to this week, we heard about how best to hunt for an agent - a good one. And which big publisher is currently accepting 'open' submissions. I will write about it on my Devon based Retreats for You website here (blog being posted soon.)

It was thoroughly enjoyable and if you'd like to go to some of their meetings, featuring agents, publishers and experts, email me and I will put you in touch. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

I followed up by buying a couple of books and am going to make one in particular my new Book of the Week on this, my regular website book blog:

Jane Corry’s ‘The Dead Ex.’

The third twist-filled thriller from author of My Husband's Wife and Blood Sisters.

It’s a drama-packed suspense and has a good chunk of fab reviews already. Jane has also written several other books – she is a Sunday Times bestseller. I like choosing new authors with lots of other novels to go on to afterwards if I like this one. Jane is an experienced writer and tutor of writing so she knows a thing or two about plot. Great covers too.

This latest one is about a woman whose husband deserts her for a mistress when she gets ill. Then a body turns up. The slug line – ‘He cheated. He lied… He died…’ grabs you immediately. Check it out for yourself and see what you think! Psychological crime and thrillers are as popular as ever so this was a good one for me.

The third twist-filled thriller from The Sunday Times best-selling author of My Husband's Wife and Blood Sisters.

'I wish he'd just DIE.'

He said in sickness and in health. But after Vicki was attacked at work and left suffering with epilepsy, her husband, Daniel, left her for his mistress.

So when Vicki gets a call one day to say that he's gone missing, her first thought is 'good riddance'. But then the police find evidence suggesting that Daniel is dead. And they think Vicki had something to do with it.

What really happened on the night of Daniel's disappearance?

And how can Vicki prove her innocence when she's not even sure of it herself?

Jane cleverly interweaves the use of first person, an unreliable narrator, with third person to define other characters who drive the tale towards its dramatic ending - watch out for all those twists. Also - tip - do read each chapter heading as well. In audiobook listening, that's easy, as the narrator always reads it out! See below for a Quick Six Questions interview with Jane.

I particularly loved the immense detail about topics within the story which Jane writes about with confidence. I actually learned quite a lot, and that's always a plus. It makes me want to read the next one by an author. There was one twist in particular I didn't see coming at all, and if you like every loose ending to be clearly sewn up this is a good book for you. Recommended.

A friend’s bike! I swim most mornings in the sea (in a wet suit) along with an artist friend of mine. One day, she turned up on a flash bike. I commented on it and she told me it belonged to ‘the dead ex’. Her former husband had sadly died and she’d had to sort out his possessions which was very distressing for her. It made me think about how difficult it is to let go of relationships even if they weren’t ideal. Then I linked it with prison (as I always do!) and THE DEAD EX was born. My friend gave me permission to use the title, by the way!

2. Research or experience. There is much detail about several topics - inc being inside a prison, and you spent time as ‘writer in residence’ at a prison - what does that mean? Thoughts about your time there? Also much info about epilepsy, and aromatherapy. Experience, or research?

I took a job as a writer in residence at a high security male prison when my first marriage ended. It was a completely new world for me. I was scared at times but there were also hours when I forgot I was in a prison. The power of the written word is such that it unites all kinds of people. My role as writer in residence was to run workshops to help prisoners write life stories, novels, short stories, poems and letters. I also brought in other authors to speak (including Colin Dexter) and I entered my men’s work for national prison competitions. The idea behind this is that writing can allow you to express yourself. Many inmates told me it enabled them to understand the horror of their crimes. I also wanted to bring epilepsy into THE DEAD EX because it hit our family out of the blue three years ago. It was a subject I knew nothing about until then and I wanted to show its effects and how people learn to live with it. As for aromatherapy…what can I say? This was a lovely part of my research! In fact, I only came across it when a friend dragged me along to a session to keep her company. Like any writer, I asked my aromatherapist various questions such as how she knew which were the right oils to mix. She told me that it all depended on the client. ‘It’s a bit like a marriage,’ she said. Suddenly I knew exactly what I wanted my heroine Vicki to do for a living!

3. Evolution. There are lots of twists - were they all in draft one? How did it evolve to final draft?

I usually know which major twists I’m going to put in before I write. Then, while I am writing, I think of others - or even different ones from my first set of ideas. When I’ve finished the first draft, I go back and sow clues. I love twists and turns. My second husband says I’m terrible to watch television with because I often guess what’s going to happen!

4. Being published. You say publishers can change titles. What did you call yours, and did you have any input into what they do?

My publishers have always been happy with my titles which is nice. But if they weren’t, I would agree to their suggestions. My view is that publishers have more experience of the market than I do.

5. What was your ‘getting published’ story?

I sent the first three chapters of MY HUSBAND’S WIFE (my first psychological suspense) to my agent and she loved it. Then a few weeks later, she rang to say that Penguin was interested. I didn’t dare let myself get too excited but as the day went on, her calls became more frequent. By the end of the day, Penguin wanted to meet me in London. I live in Devon but it so happened we were going to London that day for a big family party so I met my future editor Katy Loftus just beforehand From the minute we spoke, I could see that she ‘got’ my characters and that they were as real to her as they were to me. It was so exciting! Penguin offered me a contract the next day. It was a dream come true.

6. What’s out next?

My next novel is called CHILD OF MINE. It’s about a young grandmother and a terrible secret. I'm currently working on edits for it now.

- And if people like The Dead Ex what can they choose next?

My first two novels are called MY HUSBAND’S WIFE and BLOOD SISTERS. They - like THE DEAD EX - were in the top ten of The Sunday Times. I’m also very excited because Big Talk and Mr Mudd have acquired the tv serialisation rights to MY HUSBAND’S WIFE.

Finally, how can people keep in touch with you? Include the freelance media group info if you like.

This is an important part of a writer’s job. I spend about one and a half hours each day on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

My social media is as follows.

Twitter @janecorryauthor

Instagram Jane Corry Author

Facebook Jane Corry Author.

I also help to run the Freelance Media Group which meets on the second Monday of each month in London. We have some great speakers from the writing industry. Its twitter address is @FreelanceMediaG

********************

Thanks to Jane!

I bought a couple of other fab sounding books which also cropped up during chats at the meeting, watch out for Phoebe Grant’s ‘The Doll House’ and ‘Marriages are Made in Bond Street’ by Penrose Halson. Plus, finally, a mention that former QVC presenter Anna Cookson, a BBC Radio Kent host, has her first one about to be published too – great title – ‘the Sound of your Soul’ out soon with Pegasus books – am hoping it’ll be on audio book so I can get it!

ps Glad to say Phoebe Morgan and her colleague Charlotte Mursell will be coming to give their talk on 'pitching to a publisher' at Retreats for You in March next year. The latest update will be coming out soon on our social media for @retreatsforyou an on the website www.retreatsforyou.co.uk - watch out for it and book early!

Other News

- Yoga Retreats - we are happy to offer full board breaks for writers with a daily stretching session to help tired muscles after hours at the keyboard. A last minute retreat is available -

- join us on October 22-26. (one place left)

- 'Just Write' weeks - we are available most months of the year, Monday to Friday, full board including wine with supper, afternoon snacks and hot drinks, with a mini home gym, massage chair and summer house to get away from everything and finish - or begin - that novel. With over fifty finished novels from former guests on our bookshelves, we are proud to have been helping writers write for around ten years. Join us on -

Reviews for Retreats for You Check out our Facebook page to see all the five star reviews for our place - go here to see it. And if you'd like to come too, email us for info and dates This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - and see more on our website here - retreatsforyou.co.uk

best wishes

debs

x

TIPS AND MY OWN FICTION -

Beginners’ Guide And if you’re a complete beginner and want to self-publish, my basic guide can be found here - beginner's tips for self-publishing - a summary of info, sites and links to help you on your way. Including my guest blog on prestigious industry website, TheCreativePenn.com, which is also a fabulous resource for beginners. And advanced writers! Go here to read more.

Also - launched in 2018, Jericho press is the new name for Writers' Workshop - and their £30 a month subs will get you all sorts of free info about how to write a novel and how to self publish. MORE HERE.

Archives Don’t forget to check out the other archives (to the left) for even more fabulous hints, tips, links and blogs.

‘When Dreams Return’ (2014) – spooky romantic short story – when Chelle’s pal Sara gets her to conjure up her ideal man with a full moon magic spell, she gets more than she bargained for… also appears in Hocus Pocus anthology.

Till the Fat Lady Slims 2.0 – the ‘When’ Diet - is my semi-autobiographical weight loss book – originally published in 2000. It was updated for 2014 to include the latest thinking about nutrition. Learn how to eat like slim people do and published on Amazon as TTFLS 2.0

Choc-Lit, UK independent publisher, gave it a revamp and put it on order in Bookshops early 2017 - published just as 'Till the Fat Lady Slims' and with a black silhouette cover, it pulls together elements of all the predecessors, and is a good place to begin if you haven't read any of it yet. Go here to get the Choc Lit 2017 Till the Fat lady Slims on Amazon or order in bookshops.

Amazon review - January 2018 -

This is a great book and so easy to identify with the author. I have been there and reading this book was like a breath of fresh air. I took on board what was written and lost 3 pounds in the first week. I am still losing but I don't dwell on food or think about it all day which is brilliant. I feel I can get on with my life and food is in its proper place. I eat when I'm hungry and because I am hungry, I enjoy the food all the more. If you are struggling and have tried every diet known to woman - like I have - buy this book. You will not regret it. It is turning my life around and I feel so much more positive than I did.

Derek my lovely sponsor dog has had his passing out parade at last! Hooray! Medical Detection Dogs have kept me informed about his progress for the two years or so since I paid to name him, and it's been a pleasure to chart his progress. Now he has been allocated to a lovely guy, pictured with Derek here, and I'm so proud of the lovely little chap. He'll now help his new 'partner' detect high or low blood sugar levels and signal him to do a blood test. Even when Derek's asleep he's trained to wake up if he needs to do an alert. He's now one of the fold and will stay with his owner through thick and thin. How wonderful. More info about my fab charity for which I'm an ambassador here. and on my blogs here.